Whisky Galore

I keep forgetting to write this review. Perhaps it’s because I keep forgetting I’ve seen this film.

A remake of the classic Ealing Studios Production, this is the story of an island in the Outer Hebrides which, in the grips of a disastrous whisky shortage, is blessed when a ship carrying 50,000 cases of the drink crashes into the rocks just off their shores.

Even if they’re hiding the whisky, surely it’ll be watered down now.

This movie is almost utterly pointless.

Remakes are useful for establishing where our culture has changed and where it’s stayed the same.

The original was from 1940, right in the middle of the war in which both films are set. Certain permissions we have now would be quite alien to filmmakers of that time, not to mention the knowledge we now have of who won the conflict. Thus, an ever so slightly different product is likely to be born.

For example, in the 2017 version a secret document on board the whisky ship which the intelligence agencies of the crown wish to keep hidden is used as blackmail at one point. This plot point goes nowhere, but it does demonstrate a change in the times.

Honestly, I can’t think of much more to say. It’s decent. The original has aged like a fine whisky. This one will probably age like a glass of water.

Recommended Scenario: Original. Just watch that.